The 2025 MLB All-Star Game is rapidly approaching, set to take place at Truist Park in Atlanta on July 15. With the official ballot for the Midsummer Classic unveiled on Wednesday, it’s the perfect time to evaluate which player from each of the 30 clubs is most deserving of a coveted spot on their league’s All-Star roster.
MLB.com’s beat writers have weighed in, identifying one standout player from each team who has made a compelling case for a trip to Atlanta next month.
American League All-Star Contenders
The American League boasts a mix of established superstars and breakout talents making their All-Star cases.
AL East Powerhouses
- Blue Jays: Alejandro Kirk (C): Kirk, a 2022 All-Star, has seen his bat return alongside exceptional defense. With a .726 OPS and 1.7 fWAR, his value is clear despite a challenging team performance.
- Orioles: Ryan O’Hearn (DH): O’Hearn is quietly having a career year. He leads the Orioles in several offensive categories, including a .335 batting average and a .960 OPS, while also offering defensive versatility at first base and outfield.
- Rays: Jonathan Aranda (1B): Finally healthy and playing regularly, Aranda is in the midst of a breakout season. He boasts a .324/.408/.508 slash line and a 167 wRC+, ranking among the league’s best hitters.
- Red Sox: Garrett Crochet (SP): Acquired in a December trade, Crochet has emerged as an ace. He leads the AL in innings (82) and strikeouts (101) with a sparkling 1.98 ERA, consistently giving Boston a chance to win.
- Yankees: Aaron Judge (RF): Judge is a strong candidate for his seventh All-Star appearance, having been named AL Player of the Month for April and May. His name is at the top of virtually every offensive leaderboard, making him a Triple Crown threat.
AL Central Surprises
- Guardians: José Ramírez (3B): A six-time All-Star, Ramírez continues to be the offensive engine for the Guardians. He leads the team in average (.330), OBP (.386), slugging (.553), and homers (11), showcasing his perennial MVP-caliber play.
- Royals: Kris Bubic (SP): In his first full season back from Tommy John surgery, Bubic has been phenomenal. He boasts a 1.43 ERA across 12 starts, with 79 strikeouts in 75 1/3 innings, positioning him as an unexpected All-Star.
- Tigers: Tarik Skubal (SP): A 2024 All-Star, Skubal remains dominant. His AL-best ratios, including a 0.793 WHIP and 11.8 K/9, along with a near-historic 99-to-7 strikeout-to-walk ratio, make a strong case for an All-Star start.
- Twins: Byron Buxton (CF): Even after a concussion-related absence, Buxton’s all-around numbers are elite. He remains an electric defensive center fielder and was on pace for a 30-30 season, making him overdue for his second All-Star selection.
- White Sox: Shane Smith (SP): This rookie, a Rule 5 Draft pick, has been a bright spot for the White Sox. With a 2.45 ERA and consistent quality starts, Smith has quickly risen to the top of their rotation, deserving an All-Star nod.
AL West Standouts
- Angels: Zach Neto (SS): Despite missing the season’s start due to shoulder surgery, Neto has been the Angels’ best player for a second straight year. He’s a strong defender at shortstop, providing both power and speed from the leadoff spot.
- Astros: Hunter Brown (SP): Following a breakout 2024, Brown has pitched even better in 2025. He’s 8-3 with a 1.83 ERA, tied for the MLB lead in quality starts with 10, including a complete game, making him a strong contender.
- Athletics: Jacob Wilson (SS): The AL Rookie of the Month for May, Wilson is not just the Rookie of the Year frontrunner but one of baseball’s best hitters. His .355 batting average and 81 hits lead all MLB rookies.
- Mariners: Cal Raleigh (C): Raleigh is having what could be a historic offensive season for a catcher, consistently ranking among MLB’s home run leaders. Coupled with his Platinum Glove defense, he’s finally gaining wider recognition.
- Rangers: Tyler Mahle (SP): While Nathan Eovaldi is the usual ace, Mahle has been a pleasant surprise in the Rangers’ strong rotation. His 2.02 ERA and .196 opponent batting average are among the league’s best, making him a deserving candidate.
National League All-Star Contenders
The National League features a mix of established stars returning to form and emerging talents.
NL East Heavyweights
- Braves: Ronald Acuña Jr. (RF): A four-time All-Star, Acuña Jr. is highly likely to be a starting outfielder despite recent knee surgery. His popularity ensures strong fan balloting, and he could be joined by teammates Chris Sale or Marcell Ozuna.
- Marlins: Kyle Stowers (OF): Stowers has emerged as one of the game’s breakout stars in 2025. He leads the Marlins in homers, RBIs, and OPS, showcasing impressive power and clutch hitting, including walk-off grand slams.
- Mets: Francisco Lindor (SS): Despite four previous All-Star appearances, Lindor has never made it as a Met. He leads NL shortstops in fWAR, bWAR, homers, and slugging, making a strong case for his sixth consecutive selection.
- Nationals: James Wood (OF): In his first full MLB season, the 22-year-old Wood has made a compelling All-Star case. He leads NL outfielders in OPS, OPS+, and wOBA, demonstrating impressive power and hitting prowess.
- Phillies: Kyle Schwarber (DH): While Zack Wheeler is a likely All-Star, Schwarber has consistently paced the Phillies’ offense. He is on track for career highs in OBP and slugging, solidifying his role as a steady force in a star-studded lineup.
NL Central Standouts
- Brewers: Freddy Peralta (SP): Peralta has been the Brewers’ workhorse in a rotation facing many injuries. Despite a groin tweak, he ranks among the NL’s top 10 in ERA and top 15 in strikeout rate, making him a strong representative for the pitching-heavy team.
- Cardinals: Brendan Donovan (2B/LF): Donovan has blossomed into a clutch No. 3 hitter for the Cardinals, boasting defensive versatility. He leads the NL in doubles and ranks high in hits and batting average, showcasing his all-around offensive game.
- Cubs: Pete Crow-Armstrong (CF): “PCA” has rapidly blossomed into a star. His elite defense, speed, and surprising power have him near the top of the NL WAR leaderboard, making him a strong contender for his first All-Star nod.
- Pirates: Paul Skenes (SP): Skenes is a clear choice, being one of the most dominant pitchers in the game. With a 2.15 ERA and 77 strikeouts in his first 12 starts, the Cy Young favorite could even earn another All-Star start.
- Reds: Elly De La Cruz (SS): Already a league star, De La Cruz is on pace for his first 30-homer, 30-stolen base season. He leads the Reds in homers, RBIs, and steals, showing increased consistency and durability.
NL West Performers
- D-backs: Corbin Carroll (OF): Carroll has been a bright spot for the D-backs, showing consistency offensively. A 2023 All-Star and Rookie of the Year, his strong second-half performance from last year has carried over into 2025, putting him in MVP conversations.
- Dodgers: Freddie Freeman (1B): While Shohei Ohtani is a strong contender, Freeman stands out. In his age-35 season, he’s having one of his best offensive starts, trailing only Aaron Judge in MLB average and OPS, despite managing a surgically repaired ankle.
- Giants: Logan Webb (SP): Webb is looking like the Giants’ leading All-Star candidate. With a 2.55 ERA over 81 1/3 innings and strong fWAR, he’s pitching at an elite level, making him a deserving choice.
- Padres: Robert Suarez (RP): Perhaps the most valuable reliever in baseball, Suarez leads MLB with 19 saves and all relievers in fWAR. His durability, multi-inning capability, and ability to strand runners make him an elite closer, despite one blip on his ERA.
- Rockies: Hunter Goodman (C): In his first regular opportunity, Goodman leads all MLB catchers in hits. He’s been the Rockies’ most consistent offensive performer and has shown advanced ability to work with pitchers, making him a strong candidate.
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